Complaint Department

As a mother, there are times when I am giving my children directions, or "having a talk" w/ them, that I hear words come out of my mouth and go "Hmm." Today was one of those "Hmm" moments. All week, we have been dealing w/ excessive grumbling among our kids. I was telling whomever was griping that it would make me so much happier, if they would simply follow instructions, w/out complaining. That's when the "Hmm" moment occurred. This past month, week, day, has had more than it's share of complaining, and grumbling from me. Be it about the girls' school, homework, bills, kids, myself, the weather, time constraints, household duties, etc., I've noticed that I've been quite vocal in what I don't like/want. But I haven't even began to scratch the surface in being vocal about my praise and thanksgiving. How humbling, to look back over the last several weeks, and realize that God must have felt the same way about my griping, as I was about my kids' griping. So, today, I ask you to forgive me, if in this past month, I have come to you, grumbling about something. I want my words of thanks to far outnumber my words of discontent.


So, here is a blessing that I would like to share w/ you:
My two "little" brothers! They are the two biggest cut-ups I know! God knew that I was way to serious of a person - so, in His infinite wisdom, He chose to teach me to "lighten up"! Being separated from both of them is very tough! Jeremy and I are only 18mths or so apart, so we are used to always being close to each other. CJ and I share a very special bond because I became his second mother (there are 16 years between us). When I am home, the two of them tease me mercilessly! But my world would be so void w/out them and their teasing! Jeremy, CJ - I thank God for each of you. You may tickle me until I cry - but w/ Dave's help, I can return the torture!!!


My verse for this week:
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation.
Philippians 2:14-15 NIV

Downsizing??? Yep!

Wow! What a crazy month our family has had!!

May brought many tears, questions, fears, 2 trips to KS, prayers, answers, headaches, boxes, sweat, loss of sleep, and sore muscles! What happened, you ask? Well, let me start at the beginning.

On May 1st my best friend from K-12th grade lost her daughter very unexpectedly. This event took me to KS for several days to spend time w/ her and also my family. The day that I left to fly out to KS, Dave came home and informed me that he had just been let go from his job . . . so, I flew out to KS, w/ a very heavy heart. Not knowing what we were going to do, but for some odd reason, feeling a strange peace about me. So, after I returned to IN, we began packing and looking for a place to live. The big issue was pricing on the home. We told God that we needed a certain price to meet our budget. He came through . . . almost $200 below what we asked!!! Dave contacted his former employer from KS about a possible job, and they had one for him! We headed back to KS last week, for him to work on a few job details, and "refreshers", than drove back here to finish getting settled in our new place. I had forgotten just how tiring hauling boxes up and down stairs can be!! Dave's new job will allow us to stay in IN, and he will be able to work out of his "office" aka kitchen table here, for the time being. (I just hope the kids remember to clean up all the playdooh before he sets his pc down to do his work :-) ) We know that God's hand has been on us as we have been on this journey. It has been so awesome, watching Him work. We are still unpacking boxes and trying to figure out where to put things!!! We went from about 1800 sq feet to a little over 1000!! Dave Ramsey says to live w/ what you need, and that is what we are getting ready to do. There are many things that we have, that we do NOT need, so, guess it is time for a garage sale . . . or maybe just several GOODWILL trips!

So, if you see me, and I look a little haggard, or my clothes don't exactly match - it's because I'm so overwhelmed by the mountains of boxes in my house right now! I'm not really sure I'm making any headway on getting things put away, but hopefully, by the weekend, things will look differently!